Proverbs 6:11

KJV

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall thy poverty {H7389} come {H935} as one that travelleth {H1980}, and thy want {H4270} as an armed {H4043} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and poverty comes marching in on you, scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.

Berean Standard Bible

and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.

American Standard Version

So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:11 delivers a stark warning against the perils of idleness and procrastination, asserting that poverty and want are not random misfortunes but inevitable consequences for those who neglect diligence. Through vivid similes, the verse portrays destitution as a relentless traveler, steadily approaching and then arriving with the overwhelming force of an armed assailant, leaving no escape for the slothful. It serves as a powerful call to embrace foresight, responsibility, and consistent effort in all aspects of life to avoid such a grim and inescapable fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:11 concludes a significant section (Proverbs 6:6-11) often titled "The Admonition to the Sluggard." This passage begins by directing the reader to "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - The Wisdom of the Ant"). The preceding verses highlight the ant's industrious nature, its foresight in gathering food without external supervision, and its preparation for future needs. In stark contrast, the sluggard is characterized by excessive sleep and a love for idleness, culminating in the dire prediction of verse 11. The entire section is a didactic unit, contrasting the wisdom of diligence with the folly of sloth, emphasizing that natural consequences follow choices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, diligence in farming, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship was paramount for survival and prosperity. Lack of effort directly led to crop failure, animal loss, and inability to provide for one's household. There was little social safety net as understood today; community support existed, but persistent idleness was generally frowned upon and led to severe personal hardship. The imagery of a "traveler" and an "armed man" would have resonated deeply. A traveler's approach was often slow but certain, while an "armed man" or "man of shield" (a soldier or robber) represented an irresistible, destructive force, signifying an invasion of personal security and well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **consequences of choices**, illustrating that actions (or inactions) have direct and predictable outcomes. It highlights the **value of diligence and hard work** as essential for flourishing, contrasting it sharply with the destructive nature of **sloth and procrastination**. Furthermore, it subtly touches on the theme of **divine order** in the world, where wisdom (including practical wisdom like diligence) leads to blessing, and folly (like laziness) inevitably leads to hardship. The warning here is not arbitrary but reflects the natural outworking of God's design for human flourishing, as seen in other warnings against laziness in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth") and [Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Field of the Sluggard").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poverty (Hebrew, _rêysh'_):** H7389. This term refers to destitution, indigence, or a state of being poor. It denotes a severe lack of material resources, often implying a state of extreme need and hardship. In this context, it is the direct outcome of the sluggard's inaction.
* **Want (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** H4270. Closely related to "poverty," this word signifies deficiency, lack, scarcity, or need. It emphasizes the absence of what is necessary for sustenance and comfort. The pairing of "poverty" and "want" creates a comprehensive picture of utter destitution.
* **Armed (Hebrew, _mâgên'_):** H4043. This word literally means "shield" or "buckler." When used in conjunction with "man" (H376, _ʼîysh_), "an armed man" or "man of shield" refers to a soldier, warrior, or one equipped for battle. It conveys the idea of an irresistible, forceful, and potentially violent arrival, highlighting the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the impending destitution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth,"**: This clause vividly depicts the gradual, yet certain, approach of destitution. "Poverty" (rêysh) is personified as a traveler, implying a steady, predictable, and relentless journey. It suggests that financial ruin or lack does not typically strike the idle suddenly like a lightning bolt, but rather creeps in slowly, almost imperceptibly, through consistent neglect and lack of foresight. The sluggard often fails to notice the subtle erosion of their resources until it is too late, much like a traveler steadily advancing towards a destination.
* **"and thy want as an armed man."**: This second clause intensifies the warning, describing the final, devastating arrival of destitution. "Want" (machçôwr) is personified as an "armed man" (or "man of shield"), a warrior or robber. This imagery conveys an overwhelming, aggressive, and irresistible force. Once poverty and want fully arrive, they do so with an unassailable power, leaving the victim helpless, defenseless, and unable to resist or escape their grip. It speaks to the utter devastation and inescapable nature of the consequences of persistent idleness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:11 employs powerful **Simile** to communicate its warning. The verse explicitly compares "poverty" to "one that travelleth" and "want" to "an armed man" using the conjunction "as." This direct comparison helps the reader visualize the abstract concept of destitution in concrete, relatable terms. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Personification**, giving human qualities and actions to inanimate concepts: poverty "comes" and want arrives with the force of a "man." This makes the consequences feel more immediate, active, and threatening. The progression from a slow traveler to an armed assailant also creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, building tension and emphasizing the inevitable and increasingly severe nature of the impending doom for the sluggard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply embeds itself within the broader biblical theology of wisdom, stewardship, and the natural order of consequences. It reflects a fundamental principle that God has woven into the fabric of creation: diligence leads to provision and flourishing, while idleness leads to lack and hardship. This is not merely a practical observation but a theological truth about how the world, under God's governance, operates. It underscores the importance of human responsibility and active participation in managing the resources and opportunities given by God. The warning serves as a divine encouragement to live wisely, understanding that neglect of duty is not benign but carries severe, self-inflicted penalties.

* [Proverbs 24:34](/proverbs/24-34 "Proverbs 24:34 - The Sluggard's Ruin")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - The Command to Work")
* [Matthew 25:26-27](/matthew/25-26 "Matthew 25:26-27 - Parable of the Talents - The Wicked and Slothful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:11 transcends mere financial advice; it is a profound call to intentional living and responsible stewardship in every sphere of life. It challenges us to examine areas where we might be neglecting diligence—whether in our vocations, relationships, spiritual disciplines, or personal development. The "traveler" metaphor reminds us that neglect often accumulates subtly, making it easy to ignore until the consequences become overwhelming. The "armed man" metaphor then serves as a shocking wake-up call, emphasizing that once the full weight of our negligence hits, it can be devastating and difficult to reverse. This verse urges us to cultivate a proactive mindset, to work diligently, plan wisely, and consistently invest in what truly matters, thereby building a foundation of security and flourishing, not just materially, but holistically.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (financial, relational, spiritual, physical) might I be exhibiting "sluggardly" tendencies, and what subtle "travelers" might be approaching as a result?**
* **How does the imagery of "an armed man" motivate me to take immediate and decisive action against procrastination or idleness?**
* **What specific, actionable steps can I take this week to cultivate greater diligence and foresight in one area where I've been lacking?**
* **How does my understanding of God's character and His design for human flourishing inform my commitment to diligent effort?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about financial poverty, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the immediate context and imagery of "poverty" and "want" certainly point to financial and material destitution, the wisdom principles in Proverbs often have broader applications. The warning against idleness and its consequences can extend to spiritual poverty (a lack of spiritual growth or vitality due to neglecting disciplines like prayer or Bible study), relational poverty (strained or broken relationships due to lack of investment and effort), or even a poverty of purpose and meaning in life due to a lack of diligent pursuit of one's calling. The core message is that neglect in any significant area of life will inevitably lead to a corresponding lack or deficit, much like the foolish virgins who neglected to prepare for the bridegroom's arrival in [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins").

**Does this verse imply that all poverty is a result of laziness?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all poverty is a direct result of individual laziness. The Bible acknowledges various causes of poverty, including injustice, oppression, natural disaster, illness, and systemic issues (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7 - Care for the Poor"), [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-7 - Judgment on Israel for Injustice")). Proverbs 6:11 specifically addresses the poverty that *results from personal idleness and lack of foresight*, which is a distinct and avoidable cause. It is a warning to those who *choose* a path of sloth, not a blanket condemnation of all who experience hardship. The book of Proverbs often highlights the direct consequences of personal choices, but it does not negate other complex factors contributing to life's difficulties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:11 warns against the earthly consequences of idleness, its wisdom finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied diligence and purposeful action. Jesus was never slothful; His entire life was characterized by unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will, declaring, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work" [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will"). He diligently sowed the seeds of the kingdom, healed the sick, taught the multitudes, and ultimately, diligently pursued His mission to the cross, ensuring that the "want" of humanity—our spiritual poverty and separation from God—would be overcome through His ultimate sacrifice. Unlike the sluggard who faces inevitable ruin, those who are "in Christ" are delivered from spiritual destitution, not by their own perfect diligence, but by His perfect, diligent obedience. Furthermore, Jesus' parables, such as the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), underscore the importance of diligent stewardship of the gifts and opportunities God provides, warning against the "wicked and slothful servant" who buries his talent. Thus, Christ not only saves us from the ultimate spiritual "poverty" but also calls us to a diligent life, empowered by His Spirit, to avoid the earthly "want" that comes from neglecting our God-given responsibilities.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 13:4

¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 10:4

¶ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Proverbs 20:4

¶ The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing.

Proverbs 24:34

So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.